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This academic competition combines “American Idol” performance acumen with scholarly insights in a two-round tournament in which one of the winners is selected by the audience. In it, master’s students in NYU’s Graduate School of Arts and Science present their thesis or final project to a panel of judges in layperson’s language in three minutes or less—and using only a single slide. Last year’s winning presentations included "Joyce & Dante: The Dual Ulysses Tradition" and “Is Superman Circumcised? The Hero in Jewish Literature from the Bible to Comic Books.”

Competitors are judged on the following: how well they grasp the subject of their research, their ability to discuss the topic with non-experts, and presentation skills. Students compete for prizes totaling $2,500: the first-place ($1,000) and second-place ($750) winners are selected by GSAS deans and one presenter ($750) is chosen by the audience. Throughout the competition, students learn to organize ideas and persuasively speak about them in a frenzied yet academic atmosphere. Highlights from last year’s competition may be viewed here.

The event is free and open to the public. To RSVP or for more information, call 212.998.3710, email gsas.threesis@nyu.edu, or by clicking here.

Reporters wishing to attend the event must RSVP to James Devitt, NYU’s Office of Public Affairs, at 212.998.6808 or james.devitt@nyu.edu.